THE CUTTING EDGE -- Fencing classes, staged combat, swordplay lessons, footwork, and workshops in sabre and foil in the San Jose and San Francisco Bay Area of California, USA

Welcome to The Cutting Edge -- sabre fencing, swordplay classes, footwork in the SJ / SF CA Bay Area

"A Cut Above The Rest"

Located in the San Jose / San Francisco Bay Area, CA
408-417-1148 sabre@thecuttingedge.s5.com

Contact Information and Photo Gallery

Fencing Classes

School Programs

Individual Lessons

Competition and Equipment

Fencing Camps

Staged Combat

Event Calendar

Fencing Basics

About the Instructor...

Sabre Fencing Guestbook @ The Cutting Edge

The main goal of The Cutting Edge is to bring fencing to youth via during-school and after-school programs.

"Time reveals truth. And since distance creates time, it is only with this that you can ever know the truth."

"Winning isn't a some time thing--it's an all time thing."
-- Vince Lombardi

"Those who fear to try know not their limits, and thus--know not themselves."

"Parry as late as you dare."
-- Bruce Lee

"No different! Same! Only different in your mind!"
-- "Jedi Master Yoda"

"If you are afraid to be struck, you will be struck. If you are afraid to hit, you will be hit. If you wait to 'see' the moment to attack, you will be attacked. You must feel when the door is open, and no more."
--Master R. Chu

"When the moment comes--'I' do not hit. It hits all by itself."
-- Bruce Lee

"Do. Or do not. There is no 'try'..."
-- "Jedi Master Yoda"

"The highest art is no art. The best form is no form."
-- Bruce Lee

Brother and sister, electrical fencing gear x 2!

Fencing equipment must pass many safety standards before being put on the market. Masks, jackets, gloves and other fencing equipment are designed with safety in mind, then comfort, price and of course the occasional specially designed item for unique fit, comfort, or lightness.

Students who participate in all beginning or introductory Cutting Edge programs need not purchase any of their own gear, as it is provided for most classes and in most cases. Students need only bring a water bottle and athletic clothing and footwear.

Fencing jackets are almost always double-lined at the sleeves, and generally have a second layer of corduroy material at the chest.

Gloves have extra pleating over the top of the hand to protect well, and add a second layer covering the wrist and forearm. Masks are rigorously padded inside to cushion and mute attacks delivered to the head; extra thick padding shields the throat and collar areas. Most all of The Cutting Edge masks are designed for electrical sabre as well.

HMB NOTE: Students in the Coastside Academy of Fencing programs who are interested in continuing should look below under "Equipment--Electrical gear (competitive). Only certain items are required to be purchased.

Students who wish to purchase their own personal standard gear for basic and intermediate / advanced sabre classes (non-electical) should view the table below, do some vendor searching and comparisons, and purchase from whom they wish to do so. For professional reasons, I will not "recommend" any one vendor, but merely provide some examples of vendors (see links below). Another option of course is doing an internet search on "fencing gear" or whatnot. Many vendors exist, from all states and cities, and you may find better deals by doing the proverbial "homework"!

Price list is only a guideline. Prices are estimated; shipping and sizing not figured in.

Amount to buy		Item Description	LOW COST ESTIMATE	AVERAGE COST ESTIMATE	HIGH COST ESTIMATE
1	of	Fencing Jacket (Standard)	$45	$60	$90
1	of	Glove (Standard)	$8	$10	$15
1	of	Electrical Sabre Mask or Standard "3-weapon" Mask	$65	$80	$90
1 or 2	of	Electrical Sabre (complete)	$40 (each)	$65 (each)	$75 (each)

Students who join a competitive program under The Cutting Edge--whether semi-competitive or trying to win every gold medal they can get their hands on--are REQUIRED to purchase 100% of their own gear. Coastside Academy of Fencing (El Granada, CA) students need only purchase:

1. An electrical sabre lamee' (metal jacket)
2. An electrical sabre overglove
3. Two sabre body cords
4. One sabre mask lead / clip
NOTE: Recommended gear: electrical sabre, knickers, electrical sabre mask

1. Electrical Sabre Lamee' Note: Cords & Overglove shown in photo	2. Electrical Sabre Overglove	3. Sabre Body Cord Note: "ulhmann" style, two-prong connector to weapon
4. Sabre Mask Lead Click on photos to view in more detail...	An electrical sabre mask	A sabre guard (partial blade also shown) Note: you need only replace a broken blade--not the entire weapon.

I also recommend some kind of storage bag, although I do not list any below. Be warned, the list of equipment is long, and electrical sabre items can get expensive. Finally, be SURE what you are buying before you buy it! Do not "leave out" any wording that you see below when ordering. If you do so--you will risk purchasing the incorrect item, and may have to return or exchange it.

Price list is only a guideline. Prices are estimated; shipping and sizing not figured in.

Amount to buy		Item Description	LOW COST ESTIMATE	AVERAGE COST ESTIMATE	HIGH COST ESTIMATE
1	of	Fencing Jacket (Standard)	$50	$70	$100
1	of	Glove (Standard)	$8	$10	$20
1	of	Underarm Protector	$20	$28	$40
1	of	Knickers	$30	$50	$60
1	of	Electrical Sabre Lamee' (electrical metal jacket)	$75	$90	$160
1	of	Electrical Sabre Overglove	$20	$35	$50
1	of	Electrical Sabre Mask	$85	$100	$150
2	of	Electrical Sabre (Complete Weapon, "ulhmann" style socket)	$55 (each)	$75 (each)	$95 (each)
2	of	Sabre Body Cord (two-prong, "uhlmann" style socket)	$10 (each)	$15 (each)	$20 (each)
1	of	Sabre Mask Lead (alligator clip)	$4	$8	$10

If this information is a little harrowing, keep in mind the competitive gear reflects the kind of commitment one is making as an athlete (or family). Just as in baseball or basketball, soccer or skydiving--equipment is required. Finally and fortunately though, most of this equipment need only be bought once. There are exceptions, most of which have to do with regular wear and tear (namely, a body cord or weapon blade). It goes without saying that good care of your equipment will extend the life of it.

Youth Sabre Competitions (Local Bay Cups)
http://www.thebaycup.org

Listed as: Y14MxS or Y12MxS
"Youth 14 or Youth 12 and under 'mixed' sabre"
'Mixed' means both males and females can fence the event.

Adult Sabre Competitions (Local Bay Cups)
http://www.thebaycup.org

Listed as: OMxS and C2MxS
"Open 'mixed' sabre" and "Category 2 'mixed' sabre"
In an open, any fencer of any age and any rating may fence the event.
'Mixed' means both males and females can fence the event.
Category 2 means fencers that are unrated or of the rating 'D' or under may fence the event.

Important Note: You *must* be a USFA member in order to compete at any of these torunaments. USFA memberships are generally $40/year, and even less if you commit to a 3-year or greater membership.

Competitive Fencing -- Personal Requirements

Please note that the following information is directed ONLY to those students who compete at events through The Cutting Edge, and / or those who are considering it. You do not enter a competitive program without express permission from the coach. No exceptions.

1. Purchase 100% of your fencing gear. No exceptions.
2. Attend 100% of the events. Exception--event missed is cleared with coach in advance.
3. One private lesson per week is MANDATORY. No exceptions.
4. Be on time or slightly early to any given practice. DO NOT be late. Don't ever... be late. Exception--lateness cleared with coach in advance.
5. Listen to your coach. Do what is asked, show respect, and work hard to become better.
6. Help fellow students in the program. Take initiative to learn on your own as well!
7. Always bring 100% of your gear to practice. No exceptions.
8. Foul language, disrespect and / or serious cajoling of anyone (including yourself)--is unacceptable. No exceptions.
9. Fence, drill and exercise with 100% of your will, fire, and heart. No whining / complaining!
10. Have fun. This is required!! If you do not enjoy the fencing program, you should not be fencing.

If you are part of a competitive program, and you do not follow any or all of the above requirements--you may simply be removed from the program. Not a single student, family, nor anyone else has a right to stay in a Cutting Edge competitive program--unless they follow each and every one of the above requirements. As re-inforced above--no exceptions!

Finally, do not expect to see "instant results"! As in: a gold medal the first time you compete, as in winning every bout 5-0 and 15-0...! This is 100% completely ridiculous! Even the most dedicated, resourceful, hardworking and talented students--need TIME, experience, private lessons, practice, and assessments from coaches who can observe weaknesses, strengths, and construct good plans in order to empower the fencer to do what is necessary to accomplish their goals. Even Olympic level fencers lose bouts, have weaknesses, become distracted, have bad days, etc. Even Olympic fencers have coaches, and teammates and other forms of support. However, they also train very hard, take their art form seriously, have fun while doing it, and also... succeed!

A young fencer... only steps away from the 1st Place Trophy...

"Winning is not a some time thing... it is an ALL-TIME thing." --Vince Lombardi

Keep this in mind the moment you feel "badly" when you do not "score" all the time. You only lose--if you do not give it your best all of the time.

Good luck. Should you have questions--you know how to contact me.

--Matthew Carauddo (F.F.E. certified fencing instructor)

Additional links or points of interest:

United States Fencing Association (USFA)	Learn about the basics of fencing, find fencing clubs all over the United States, find information about worldwide tournaments.
Coastside Academy of Fencing	Provost Anthony Joslin's introductory and intermediate sabre fencing classes are located in beautiful Half Moon Bay, CA.
Sonoma Fencing Academy	A three-weapon fencing academy located in beautiful Petaluma, CA which offers instruction, electrical fencing, and private lessons in all three weapons. Special thanks to Kendall-Jackson winery for their continued support.
Vector Theater Conservatory	Vector Theater promotes youth and adults to excel in the arts and grow their skills in acting, music, singing, stage combat, and fencing.
Blade Fencing Supply	A well-known vendor of fencing gear. Located in New York.
Esun Fencing Supply	A fencing equipment vendor located abroad.
The Bay Cup Website	Events local to our area and divisions (California) are listed here. Visit this site for information on upcoming events in all three weapons. Special thanks to Eric Dew for managing this site.
Fencing.net	A collaborative site which includes drills, information and other interesting details regarding many aspects of fencing.

sabre@thecuttingedge.s5.com